Perlegen Sciences to Collaborate on Pharmacogenomics Study with Johnso

Perlegen Sciences to Collaborate on Pharmacogenomics Study with Johnson & Johnson Pharmaceutical Research & Development

    Business Editors/Health/Medical Writers
    BIOWIRE2K

    MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 11, 2005--

Companies to identify genetic variants associated with differential therapeutic response
    Perlegen Sciences, Inc. announced today that it will commence a pharmacogenomics collaboration with Johnson & Johnson Pharmaceutical Research and Development, L.L.C. (J&JPRD), a Johnson & Johnson company. The goal of the collaboration is to identify genetic markers for patient response to a therapeutic agent in the J&JPRD portfolio. Terms of the collaboration were not disclosed.
    In the study, Perlegen will individually genotype single nucleotide polymorphisms, or SNPs, in hundreds of patients, analyze the results to determine the genetic variations associated with differential therapeutic response, and determine the populations that might respond best to this agent.
    "Perlegen's mission is to commercialize personalized medicine through partnerships and proprietary licensed compounds," explained Brad Margus, CEO of Perlegen. "By targeting therapeutics to the right patients we can expand the therapeutic window of a drug. This enables us to improve patient care and increase the value or market share of the pharmaceutical product. We are delighted to be working with J&JPRD on this important project."

    About Perlegen Sciences

    Perlegen Sciences, Inc. is working to provide safe and effective medicines to the world. The company quickly and cost effectively analyzes millions of unique genetic variations in DNA samples obtained from clinical trial participants. This information is used to explain and predict the efficacy and adverse effect profiles of prescription drugs. Perlegen also applies this expertise to discovering genetic variants associated with disease for potential new therapeutics and diagnostics. For years, scientists and drug manufacturers have been eager to comprehensively examine entire genomes; through Perlegen, this is now possible. Perlegen is able to bring pharmaceutical products to the market wherein clinical development could have been otherwise discontinued.
    Based in Mountain View, California, Perlegen was formed in late 2000 as a spin-off from Affymetrix, Inc. (Nasdaq: AFFX). For more information about the company and its technologies, visit Perlegen's website at www.perlegen.com. Perlegen Sciences, Perlegen, and the Perlegen logo are trademarks of Perlegen Sciences, Inc.

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CONTACT: Perlegen Sciences Paul Cusenza, 650-625-4500 (Vice President, Alliance Management)

KEYWORD: CALIFORNIA INDUSTRY KEYWORD: MEDICAL PHARMACEUTICAL BIOTECHNOLOGY MARKETING AGREEMENTS SOURCE: Perlegen Sciences, Inc.

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